Srinagar, Nov 14 : Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Education, Sakeena Masood on Thursday emphasized the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of children.

Addressing Children’s Day celebrations at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir here, Sakeena said “Children are flowers of our garden and the future of our Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on them”.

The Minister emphasized on the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of children.

She urged the gathering, especially teachers to foster creativity and critical thinking in children, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.

“Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but also the visionaries and innovators who will shape the futuristic society,” Sakeena stated adding “It is essential that we provide them with tools, opportunities and encouragement to dream big and pursue their passions”.

The Minister also commended the role of teachers in overall development of society. She urged them to imbibe human values among the students apart from regular education so that they can emerge as beacons of hope for the society.

She further underlined that the government will contribute immensely for the development of the education sector as it forms the core sector for any developed society.

“Our government is keen to introduce new initiatives in the education sector to make it compete with the education system of developed nations”, Sakeena said.

The Minister, on the occasion, also felicitated the JKBOSE toppers of the class 12 examination.

In his address, VC SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad remarked that teachers are nation builders and the students are the future of our nation.

He highlighted the importance of equitable access to quality education for all children, irrespective of background for the overall development of society.

UNI